A CONTROVERSIAL plan to build 46 homes in Cleckheaton looks set to be given the go-ahead, despite the number of affordable homes being cut.

Redrow Homes gained outline approval for a development on land off Ashbourne Drive after a public inquiry in 2013.

At the time a condition was attached by the planning inspector that nine homes would be provided as affordable housing.

An application by the developer to reduce that condition is being recommended for approval by Kirklees Council planners along with the plans for its latest scheme on the site.

Redrow had argued the scheme was only viable if the requirement to provide affordable homes was scrapped, but after a “protracted discussions process” an agreement has been reached that the school could support five affordable units and still be viable.

This has been agreed by Redrow, and as such Council planners have recommended the changes be approved when the matter goes before the authority’s Heavy Woollen planning sub-committee next week.

In terms of the plans, an earlier version was recommended for approval at a committee in June, but planners asked the developer to look again at certain issues, such as amending the layout to avoid the housing estate roads crossing a farm track on the site.

The amended plans went back before the committee in September, but according to the latest report: “Members considered that their safety concerns regarding the crossing of the existing farm track and public footpath to Lower Blacup Farm has not been overcome.”

An independent safety audit was sought and highways officers have now reviewed it, before recommending the scheme be approved.

“Highways officers consider that the submitted information ha not resulted in any insurmountable problems being identified or any undue highway safety or efficiency issues. “They consider that the design of the estate road and farm track junction is suitable to accommodate the forecast level of vehicular and pedestrian or cyclist use given that visibility is acceptable in all directions, the width is restricted to encourage reduced traffic speeds and relatively level gradients are provided,” the report states.

Local residents and Cleckheaton councillor Kath Pinnock have all objected to the scheme, raising concerns, including about the farm track.

After the changes, Cllr Pinnock added: “The applicant appears to have taken no action to mediate conflict of users of the farm track to the detriment of road safety.”

Highways officers responded by saying: “Officers consider there would not be a harmful effect on road safety given that the residential road is designed so that it would cross the farm track with track users giving way, there would be low vehicle speeds and a low number of dwellings served by the new road.

“This situation would not be dissimilar to the existing use of track at its junction with Ashbourne Way.”

The meeting is to take place on April 19.